Michelin Star Philippines: Our Top Cebu Restaurant Picks

What is meant by a Michelin Star restaurant? 

A Michelin Star is a prestigious award in the culinary world that recognizes a restaurant’s quality and impact through their food offerings, highlighting distinct flavors and ultimately, taste.

Michelin Star Philippines will soon become the gold standard as the Michelin Guide officially makes its debut in 2026, covering restaurants in Cebu and Manila. Many internet users and media outlets have since released their own personal picks for the renowned award. 

Several Redditors have weighed in on the topic on the r/Cebu subreddit, while Sunstar Cebu also made a list of previous Best of Cebu winners deserving of the Michelin Star. (2025)

Now, we will present our personal list of potential Michelin Star restaurants in the Philippines, particularly here on the island of Cebu. 

This will run the gamut from local delicacies to fan-favorite international cuisines.  

Our list is a combination of commonly mentioned establishments, iconic Filipino food staples, and personal picks from our writers and staff. 

Take note of these locations if you’re looking to try some of the most delicious Filipino food in Cebu!

CEBU RESTAURANTS FOR MICHELIN STAR PHILIPPINES

• Ding How – A timeless classic 

Chinese food is one of the most popular cuisines in Cebu, and we have Harbour City Dimsum House to thank for that. 

In 1969, they opened the first Ding How Dimsum House on Colon Street, a pioneer of the city’s all-day dimsum concept.

The restaurant is recognized for inventing the Cebu-style steamed rice, which has been replicated in many Chinese food restaurants today. However, Ding How’s recipe has stood the test of time and remains an iconic Cebuano staple. 

Several reviews mentioned that the taste of their steamed rice has barely changed. Even at the company’s expansion stores such as Harbour City and Ding Qua Qua, they remain fan-favorites. 

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐⭐

• Pungko Pungko sa Fuente – A budget-friendly frontrunner

The Michelin Guide also awards restaurants with competitive pricing through their prestigious Bib Gourmand award. With plenty of affordable restaurants in Cebu, our pick goes to one of the city’s most popular: Pungko Pungko sa Fuente.

This spot is known for their Chicharon Bulaklak or what is locally called ginabot. This Cebuano exotic dish is made from pig mesentery coated in flour and deep fried. 

With its crunchy exterior and meaty flavor, complemented by a slightly spicy vinegar sauce, it is a beloved budget-friendly dish among locals and tourists.   

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐

• Soba Kamakura – A highly acclaimed favorite

Many internet users mention Soba Kamakura among their picks for Michelin-worthy restaurants in Cebu, and it’s easy to see why. 

Tucked along Greenhills Road in Mandaue City, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant caters to authentic Japanese food lovers, being the only restaurant to handcraft their own soba noodles in the Philippines. 

They require reservations so that chefs can serve food the second the customers arrive. They proudly claim to have no pre-made food, focusing on precision and overall quality for their dishes. 

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

• The Pig & Palm – A Michelin experience 

When it comes to elevated Filipino cuisine, Pig & Palm is an esteemed restaurant in Cebu, especially since it is managed by English chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton, who managed the Michelin Star-awarded Pollen Street Social in London. 

Jason, along with head chef Jamie Doe, have developed a menu of elevated tapas-style shared dishes, all made from authentic Filipino produce and ingredients. They also worked with Jamie Jones to curate their menu of flavorful cocktails.

With a dazzling presentation and harmonious flavors, it is regarded as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Cebu, mixing European cuisine with Filipino influences. 

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐⭐⭐  

• Parr’t Ebelle Tinola – Seafood done right

Cebu has a rich seafood culture, with plenty of restaurants built around cooking the day’s freshest catches. At Parr’t Ebelle Tinola, these are cooked in a variety of ways, all with exceptional flavor. 

Their fish head stew, for example, uses a mix of tomatoes, limes, and other ingredients for a slightly spicy and sour kick. They are also known for grilling different dishes ranging from tender tuna bellies to their signature liempo. 

Even with its simple and unassuming interiors, their carefully cooked dishes with exquisite tenderness and flavor make up for it. It has even been featured in various culinary content platforms online, becoming one of the city’s best seafood restaurants. 

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐⭐

• Talisay Lechon – Need we say more? 

The Michelin Guide would be remiss not to include an acclaimed lechon restaurant in their list. But with dozens of places to get the iconic Cebuano dish, we had to go with the spot that started it all. 

Talisay is considered the Lechon Capital of the island, being the first to turn this local favorite into a business venture. The city is popular for its lechon solely because of how it is made. 

The oldest lechoneras in the city claim to make suckling pig that does not need any special sauces to elevate its flavor. With careful decision making and meticulous cooking methods, this is one dish beloved by many around the world.

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

• Raul’s Restaurant – A personal favorite

Rounding off our list is a personal pick from writer and photographer Gerard Francisco, Raul’s Filipino Restaurant & Bar in Climaco Street. This rather underrated establishment is among the best family restaurants in Cebu. 

Known as a Filipino cuisine restaurant, Raul’s (previously called Yayoy’s) serves big portions of home-cooked dishes at competitive prices. All dishes are top-notch, with a lot of recommendations for their crispy pata, buttered shrimp, and pochero.

A timeless favorite, however, is the Pancit Canton Guisado, which is drenched in a mix of sauces and ingredients that give it a rich umami flavor. It may just be Cebu’s best noodle dish.

CEBU INSIGHTS PERSONAL STAR RATING: ⭐